Stroud United Res Edge Thrilling Friendly Against Sherston Town Res

Stroud United Res faced off against Sherston Town Res in a thrilling friendly encounter at Sherston Playing Fields on 16 August 2025, with the match concluding in a dramatic 4-3 victory for the visitors. The game was a showcase of attacking football, with both teams displaying their strengths and determination throughout the 90 minutes.

Stroud United lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking play. Owen Bennett took his place between the sticks, shielded by a back four comprising Max Dyer on the right, Ben Mutlow and Ben Brown in central defence, and Luke Bartlett on the left. Chay Jones operated as the central midfielder, tasked with linking defence and attack. Ahead of him, Jamie Marriott and Tom Ticehirst were positioned as right and left attacking midfielders, respectively, while Rio Kerr and Alex Castle flanked striker Casey Carter, who led the line. The substitutes for Stroud United included Tom Florek, Josh Fletcher, Oscar Fairfax, and Joey HP.

The match began with an early attempt from Rio Kerr in the fifth minute, but his effort was saved, signalling Stroud United's intent to attack. Max Dyer followed suit five minutes later, but his shot also failed to find the back of the net, as the Sherston goalkeeper was alert to the danger.

Owen Bennett, the Stroud United goalkeeper, was called into action shortly thereafter, making a save in the 13th minute to keep the score level. He continued to impress with two more saves in quick succession, demonstrating his importance to the team as he thwarted Sherston's attempts to break the deadlock.

The breakthrough finally came in the 18th minute when Casey Carter scored, assisted by Chay Jones, sending Stroud United into the lead.

Stroud extended their lead in the 34th minute when Tom Florek found the net, with Owen Bennett providing the assist. However, Sherston Town responded with a penalty in the 38th minute, pulling one back just before half-time, leaving the score at 2-1 as the teams headed into the break.

The second half saw Stroud continue their attacking play, and in the 58th minute, Alex Castle scored to restore a two-goal cushion.

In the 77th minute, Casey Carter netted his second goal of the match, again assisted by Chay Jones, pushing Stroud United's lead to 4-1. The visitors appeared to be in control, but Sherston Town had other ideas. They mounted a spirited comeback, scoring in the 80th minute and again in the 88th minute, narrowing the deficit to just one goal.

Despite the late pressure from Sherston Town, Stroud United held firm to secure a hard-fought 4-3 victory. The match showcased the resilience and attacking prowess of Stroud United, with Casey Carter and Chay Jones standing out as key players in a thrilling encounter. Thr Man of the match accolade however went to Alex Castle for a fine all round game.